3 More Countries to Deploy Police Officers to Haiti – Kenyan Commander Confirms
The Commander of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, Godfrey Otunge, on Sunday, September 8, disclosed that three additional nations are preparing to send troops to the embattled Caribbean nation.
The additional force is aimed at boosting international support for stabilising the gang-ridden Caribbean nation.
The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Belize are expected to deploy their advance contingents before the end of this month, marking a pivotal moment for the MSS mission, which has largely been viewed as a Kenyan-led initiative.
Otunge emphasised the importance of this multinational participation, stating that the presence of forces from these countries would help reshape the perception of the MSS mission.
Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille meeting with the Kenyan Police officers after their arrival in the Caribbean nation
Photo
China Daily
“This will give the MSS mission a multinational face that has been lacking,” Otunge said, explaining that until now, the mission has been seen as primarily Kenyan.
He expressed optimism that with the involvement of more nations, the MSS’s image would better reflect the broader international commitment to stabilizing Haiti.
During a briefing, Otunge explained the MSS mission’s recent successes as well as the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against gang violence and instability in Haiti.
Among the key challenges is securing areas that have already been retaken from gangs and ensuring the safety of crucial government infrastructure.
To address this, Otunge stressed the need for the creation of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), which would serve as essential outposts to hold and secure pacified areas.
“These bases will be instrumental in holding already pacified and retaken areas from gangs and protecting key government infrastructure,” Otunge stated.
Otunge also commended the strong collaboration between the MSS mission and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), emphasizing the importance of continuous cooperation.
The MSS and BINUH have worked closely to restore order in gang-controlled areas, and Otunge called for further engagements to ensure the long-term success of their joint efforts.
During a high-level meeting on Saturday, September 7, 2024, Otunge met with Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
“We will continue to sustain the operations in these areas until we achieve complete stability. Gang leaders will have nowhere to run or hide unless they down their weapons and surrender to the government,” Otunge stated.
Despite the milestones, the Kenya police mission in Haiti has experienced countless challenges threatening the success of restoring peace in the gang-ridden Caribbean country.
Commander of the Kenya Police in Haiti and Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police, Godfrey Otunge on June 26, 2024
Photo
Clarens Siffroy
